A Remembrance Day for everyone

By Caroline Rudge, MEPC

This Remembrance Day we welcome all citizens and visitors to the city to join us in Chamberlain Square.

On Friday at 11am we will pause and bear witness to the bugle call of the Last Post, played again for us this year by Jonathan Clements from PwC.

Everyone, whether they come alone or as part of a group of friends, family or from a workplace, will be welcome to join us and observe a minute’s silence.

By standing solemnly together, we will remember all who have died or suffered as a result of conflict, anywhere in the world, and think of those who are suffering today as well as those who have suffered in the past.

For many, this year’s Remembrance occasions will be overshadowed by memories and worries very real and present.

Especially for people in Ukraine, we hope that a just end to the current conflict will emerge in the time ahead.

And closer to home, we reflect upon a figure who always led our country’s remembrance events with dignity at an important time in our national calendar: Queen Elizabeth II.

The national outpouring of grief at the Queen’s death during September of this year will be remembered for a very long time.

It was a similar time of collective sorrow but also a coming together in unity.

On Remembrance Day we commemorate what has gone before us while thinking of current times, creating a link between individuals and groups, the present day and years long gone.

On Friday we will remember all individuals, both personally known and those who are not, and give thanks for the impact of their lives on our own.

All are welcome to come along and take part in the Paradise Remembrance Day service at 11am on Friday 11 November in Chamberlain Square. Please try to arrive five minutes early if possible.